Angled Pixels

From Homestar Runner Wiki

In the Homestar Runner universe, characters often like to use games and computers that are outdated. Unlike modern computers, this means that the pixels are large and very visible, giving the figures a blocky appearance. However, sometimes pixels will appear tilted, an impossible occurrence on a real screen.

The appearance of angled pixels was more common in the early days of the website, but they still appear occasionally today. The presence of angled pixels can usually be attributed to ease of animation in Flash; rather than drawing sprites for movement with properly positioned pixels, images are simply rotated. In some cases, pixels are tilted to emulate the style of sprite rotation seen in some Super Nintendo games, which is often associated with Mode 7.

[edit] Appearances

• In Search of the Yello Dello — In the Atari 2600 scene, the swinging vine, Homestar Runner's legs are tilted when swinging on the vine, as well as the crocodiles' upper jaws.
• Email lures & jigs — In Fishing Challenge '91, the pixels that make up Strong Bad's right glove are angled when luring.
• TROGDOR! — The "Keep Playing" screen shows Strong Bad and Trogdor with their pixels angled.
  • Also, in the "A Funny Joke" intermission, the arrows shot at the knight are angled as they bounce off him.
  • Additionally, during the ending scene with the smote Kerrek, the pixels are angled as its body hits the ground.
• Population: Tire — The Videlectrix Mascot's pixels are angled in the Videlectrix logo screen.
• Awexome Cross — The Tire charging animation has its pixels angled.
  • The mascot on the logo screen also has angled pixels.
• Armless Invaders — Strong Bad's head (as well as Homestar's prancing) is angled.
• The Cheat's Smoking Challenge — The Cheat's arms are angled.
• Strong Bad Sign — Strong Bad's arms are angled.
• Email video games — When the bowl labeled "FOOD" appears, the pixels are angled as it hits the ground.
• Experimental Film — In one scene, the president graphics' pixels are angled as they rotate in a circle.
• Stinkoman 20X6 — In many cutscenes, the character's sprites are displayed at an angle.
• Email slumber party — The pixels in the hands in Clapping Party are angled.
• Email email thunder — The pixels that make up the bugle are angled.
• Haunted Photo Booth Teaser — Strong Bad's Ridley sprite costume is at an angle as it eats Character 2 and flies away.
• The Homestar Runner Enters The Spooky Woods — At Strong Bad's request for "some Mode 7", Pom Pom turns into a pixelated sprite and rotates himself.